By Mohamed Attia
Egyptian airports experienced a notable upswing in air traffic and passenger numbers during March 2025, signaling a robust revival in the country’s tourism and aviation sectors. Official statistics revealed a sharp increase compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the success of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global travel hub.
Passenger traffic across Egyptian airports rose by 51.9%, reaching a total of 500,932 travelers, up from 323,190 in March 2024. Meanwhile, the number of flights surged by 67%, climbing from 2,276 to 4,009 flights. These figures highlight the significant impact of state-driven initiatives aimed at revitalizing tourism and enhancing airport infrastructure.
Hurghada and Luxor lead the growth
Hurghada International Airport recorded the highest air traffic occupancy rate, with an impressive 122% year-on-year increase, followed closely by Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport at 120%. Luxor International Airport also demonstrated substantial progress, achieving a 24% rise in flight numbers and a 21% increase in passenger volume.
Other airports also showed solid performance:
- Aswan international airport: 31% increase in flights, 30.6% rise in passenger traffic
- Sohag airport: 16.2% increase in flights, 33% rise in passenger numbers
- Sphinx international airport: 17.2% growth in air traffic, 30% rise in passengers
- Borg El Arab international airport: 7.7% increase in flights, 14% increase in passengers
- Abu Simbel airport: 5.3% rise in flights, 6% increase in passenger numbers
Strategic vision and infrastructure development
Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, emphasized that Egypt’s airports, particularly those located in tourist hotspots such as Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, and Sphinx, serve as the nation’s vital gateways to the world. “We are committed to upgrading Egyptian airports in accordance with the highest international standards,” he stated. “By fostering partnerships with the private sector and integrating advanced technologies, we aim to enhance the passenger experience, boost airport capacity, and ensure sustainable operations.”
He highlighted that connecting Egypt’s top tourist cities through efficient air routes is key to delivering a seamless travel experience. This strategy is aligned with Egypt Vision 2030, which places significant emphasis on modernizing transportation infrastructure. “Our goal is to transform Egypt into a leading regional hub in civil aviation,” El-Hefny added, noting that the latest indicators affirm Egypt’s steady progress toward achieving this ambition.
Commitment to operational excellence
Engineer Ayman Fawzy Arab, Chairman of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, attributed the strong performance to the extensive development and modernization of airport facilities. “We are dedicated to simplifying travel procedures and enhancing efficiency at every stage of the passenger journey,” he said. “Our approach mirrors best practices from the world’s leading airports.”
Echoing these sentiments, Pilot Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company, praised the efforts of airport staff and affirmed that continuous upgrades in infrastructure and services are pivotal in meeting growing demand. “We are focused on equipping Egyptian airports with cutting-edge systems and providing world-class service to ensure safety, comfort, and satisfaction for all travelers,” El-Nashar said. “These developments underscore our unwavering commitment to establishing Egypt as a central node in the global air transport network.”
